Join David Detmold, coordinator of ChangeTheMassFlag.com, to learn about the history of the Massachusetts flag and seal, and the effort to create a new flag and seal to represent peace, justice, equality, and inclusion for the Commonwealth.
For over 40 years, Indigenous leaders have been calling for the Flag & Seal of Massachusetts to be changed. To many, the imagery of a white hand holding a sword over the head of an Indigenous person, and the Latin motto, "By the Sword She Seeks Peace, but Peace with Liberty," speaks of a history of violent colonization and conquest.
On January 6th, 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature established a Special Commission on the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth, and invited Native leaders from the Wampanoag, Nipmuc, and Massachusett nations to sit with state legislators, historians, and others to recommend changes to the state symbol. In 2022, the statewide special commission recommended a total revision of the Massachusetts flag and seal.
An article on the Saturday, May 13 annual town meeting warrant will ask Becket voters if they are in support of changing the flag and seal of Massachusetts. Come find out more about this important racial justice issue!
RSVP appreciated.
Refreshments will be served!
Masks are encouraged especially if you are immunocompromised or not vaccinated.
David Detmold, of Montague, is the coordinator of ChangeTheMassFlag.com and has worked with volunteers in over 59 cities and towns to bring forward resolutions of support for changing the present symbol of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at annual town meetings and city council forums. As of March, 2023, 57 cities and towns have taken formal votes in support of that change; only two have opposed.
He is the founding editor of the independent weekly newspaper, the Montague Reporter, and served for 20 years as an elected town meeting member in Montague.